Children's Discovery Museum

The striking 52,000 square foot purple building, designed by Mexico City-based architect Ricardo Legorreta, signals the purpose of Children's Discovery Museum to serve the needs of children, families and schools as a center for learning and discovery.

Encompassing the broad themes of community, connections and creativity, exhibits invite self-directed, open-ended explorations, while programs provide facilitated, focused, and sustained interactions.

Since opening in June, 1990, the Museum has welcomed over 5 million visitors and has offered new interactive exhibits each year that respond to children's diverse educational needs. With the addition of the West Wing in 1997, the Museum expanded its size by twenty percent.

Museum Mission

The purpose of Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is to serve the needs of children, families and schools as a center for learning and discovery. For children, it is first and foremost a place to call their own, offering interactive exhibits and programs in a warm and inviting setting. Its educational mission encompasses the themes of Connections, Community, and Creativity. In its unique environment, children actively make connections among ideas, people and cultures. The Museum's programs also encourage children to define their role in and contribution to both local and global communities. Finally, as a center for creative play and expression, Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose provides opportunities for all of us to discover the world through the eyes of our children.

Explore Related Categories